Iowa trails

Distance: 5.5 mi • Elevation gain: 827 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,089 ft

Distance: 4.2 mi • Elevation gain: 243 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,168 ft

Distance: 13.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,532 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,283 ft

Distance: 0.9 mi • Elevation gain: 20 ft • Maximum elevation: 925 ft

Distance: 6.1 mi • Elevation gain: 1,053 ft • Maximum elevation: 958 ft

Ledges State Park offers a scenic hiking experience that showcases the beauty of Iowa's natural landscape. The route connecting Council Ring, Table Rock, and Crow's Nest features stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley, along with the unique sandstone formations that define the park. Along the trail,…

Distance: 1.7 mi • Elevation gain: 420 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,053 ft

This loop hike through Hitchcock Nature Center offers a delightful blend of scenic views and diverse terrains, showcasing the unique beauty of the Loess Hills. Along the route, hikers can enjoy panoramic vistas, especially from Badger Ridge, where the rolling hills create a picturesque backdrop, and the mix of…

Distance: 5.3 mi • Elevation gain: 791 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,302 ft

This loop hike at Hitchcock Nature Center provides a scenic and dynamic journey through Iowa’s Loess Hills. Traversing the Badger Ridge, Wildwoods, and Westridge trails, hikers experience a blend of open prairie views and shaded woodlands. The route, punctuated by the steep ascent of The Chute and peaceful…

Distance: 2.9 mi • Elevation gain: 446 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,293 ft

The Macbride Waterfall and Coralville Lake Loop offers a scenic and varied hike that weaves through forested paths and along the shores of Coralville Lake. With views of the lake nearly always in sight, the trail offers both quiet wooded sections and open stretches near the water, making it ideal for spotting…

Distance: 2.0 mi • Elevation gain: 217 ft • Maximum elevation: 820 ft

The Maquoketa Caves Loop offers a unique hiking experience in Iowa, where visitors can traverse both scenic landscapes and intriguing caves. Along the route, you'll encounter impressive rock formations, lush forests, and the tranquil Maquoketa River, all contributing to the trail's natural beauty. This…

Distance: 1.7 mi • Elevation gain: 233 ft • Maximum elevation: 892 ft

The Blue Heron Lake Loop offers a peaceful, scenic hike around a lake, featuring views of both water and wetlands. With mostly flat terrain and sections of the path shaded by trees, it’s a popular spot for hikers, joggers, and families, providing accessibility for people of all skill levels. Along the route,…

Distance: 3.1 mi • Elevation gain: 56 ft • Maximum elevation: 823 ft

This loop hike offers a picturesque hiking experience in Iowa’s natural beauty. As hikers move along the wooded paths and shoreline, they can enjoy lake views, diverse wildlife, and seasonal wildflowers. Popular with local hikers and known for its peaceful, well-marked trails, the loop provides a tranquil…

Distance: 3.6 mi • Elevation gain: 410 ft • Maximum elevation: 823 ft

The Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail is a well-loved route offering views of towering limestone cliffs, a historic quarry, and the Mississippi River valley. Along its winding path, hikers can see three bluff levels and explore small ponds and a diverse forested landscape that changes beautifully across seasons.…

Distance: 0.9 mi • Elevation gain: 115 ft • Maximum elevation: 699 ft

This loop trail at Wildcat Den State Park offers a delightful hiking experience characterized by scenic views and diverse terrain. As you traverse the trail, you'll encounter striking rock formations like Steamboat Rock and the intriguing Devil’s Punchbowl, which add to the park's unique geological charm.…

Distance: 4.2 mi • Elevation gain: 492 ft • Maximum elevation: 748 ft

This Brown's Woods loop trail in West Des Moines offers a delightful hiking experience through a scenic woodland setting. As you traverse the trail, you’ll encounter a rich variety of wildlife, including deer and numerous bird species, amidst a backdrop of towering trees and lush undergrowth, making it a…

Distance: 3.3 mi • Elevation gain: 259 ft • Maximum elevation: 942 ft

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge offers a pleasant and scenic route for walkers and cyclists, spanning across the Missouri River between Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa. As you hike the bridge, you can enjoy panoramic views of both city skylines, the river, and nearby parks, including access to the…

Distance: 1.3 mi • Elevation gain: 85 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,001 ft

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 131 ft • Maximum elevation: 955 ft

Hike from Iowa Hill Road to Yankee Jims Bridge along the North Fork American River via Windy Point Trail and Indian Creek Trail in the Auburn State Recreation Area. #Hiking #Nature #Mountain #River #Forest

Distance: 5.4 mi • Elevation gain: 1,263 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,673 ft

Afternoon Trail Run

Distance: 1.4 mi • Elevation gain: 154 ft • Maximum elevation: 984 ft

Distance: 1.2 mi • Elevation gain: 30 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,037 ft

Distance: 2.1 mi • Elevation gain: 194 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,119 ft

Distance: 3.4 mi • Elevation gain: 387 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,243 ft

Trail run in Preparation Canyon State Park, Monona County, IA

Distance: 4.3 mi • Elevation gain: 558 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,401 ft